In a landmark gathering that promises to reshape Pakistan's agricultural landscape, the Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) orchestrated a comprehensive national seminar commemorating World Food Day 2025. The event brought together an impressive coalition of stakeholders dedicated to revolutionizing the country's dairy sector.
Government and Industry Join Forces
The seminar witnessed unprecedented participation from key government figures, including Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik, who delivered the inaugural address. The minister emphasized the critical role of the dairy industry in achieving national food security and outlined the government's commitment to supporting sector-wide transformation.
Distinguished guests from provincial food departments, the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), and leading international development organizations including the World Bank, FAO, and UNICEF contributed valuable insights throughout the proceedings.
Addressing Critical Challenges
The day-long seminar tackled pressing issues facing Pakistan's dairy industry through multiple technical sessions:
- Nutritional Security Enhancement: Experts discussed strategies to combat malnutrition through fortified dairy products
- Quality Standards Implementation: PSQCA representatives outlined new quality benchmarks for dairy products
- Small Farmer Empowerment: Sessions focused on improving livelihoods for small-scale dairy farmers
- Climate Resilience: Strategies to make dairy farming sustainable amid climate challenges
Innovation and Technology Integration
A significant portion of discussions centered on modernizing Pakistan's dairy infrastructure through technological adoption. Industry leaders highlighted successful case studies of dairy farms implementing advanced feeding systems, automated milking processes, and cold chain management solutions.
The seminar also addressed the urgent need for curriculum development in veterinary sciences and dairy technology, with several universities committing to introduce specialized programs.
Pathway to Economic Growth
With Pakistan's dairy sector positioned as a key driver of rural economic development, participants outlined a comprehensive roadmap for growth. The strategy includes increasing per animal productivity, enhancing milk collection systems, and developing value-added products for both domestic and export markets.
The consensus emerging from the seminar points toward a transformative era for Pakistan's dairy industry, with stakeholders committing to regular follow-up meetings and the implementation of actionable recommendations discussed during the event.